Applications have opened for Scotland-based artists, creators and cultural innovators to secure Crowdmatch backing from Creative Scotland in partnership with Crowdfunder.
Now in its seventh year, the programme offers eligible Crowdfunder campaigns the chancechance to receive up to 50% of their total funding target to a maximum of £10,000 per project.
The fund offers an invaluable route to a wide range of creative projects, from theatre and visual arts to film, music and community-driven initiatives to access funding in a more adaptable way than other funding routes available.
Jackie Stewart, Creative Industries Officer at Creative Scotland said: “The Crowdmatch Fund has grown beyond our initial expectations and has proven to be a real asset to the funding landscape for creators.
“Not only can they access funding more quickly and flexibly, but they’re building their community and audience while doing so. With a substantial budget available, we’ll be able to deliver a greater impact to Scotland’s creative community and explore how far Crowdmatch can go.”
The accessibility and track record of Crowdfunder UK, the UK’s leading crowdfunding platform, offers a streamlined pathway to National Lottery funds through Creative Scotland.
Simon Deverell, Founder & Co-CEO of Crowdfunder UK said: “We’ve loved working with Creative Scotland on Crowdmatch over the years, and it’s been incredible to see so many bold, brilliant ideas come to life through the programme.
“From music and film to grassroots community projects, the creativity we’ve seen has been nothing short of inspiring. Together, we’ve helped projects raise over £1.7 million to date, showing just how powerful community-backed funding can be.
“We can’t wait to see the next wave of talent, ideas and imagination land on the platform this year.”
Examples of successful projects through Crowdmatch include:
- Julie Fowlis’ Live in Scotland album – raised £22,497 from 310 supporters (including £10,000 from Creative Scotland) to record live performances across a 2026 Scotland tour to produce a live album
- Thrawn: A Scots Story – raised £12,755 from 140 supporters (including £5,000 from Creative Scotland) to create a documentary on changing attitudes toward the Scots as language
- Dundee Radio Club – raised £6,532 from 96 supporters (including £2,950 from Creative Scotland) to grow its 2026 Listening Festival celebrating sound, creativity and connection over 72 hours
Individual artists, organisations and creative business in the arts, screen and creative industries can apply if they are:
- An individual artist or creative practitioner based in Scotland
- A freelance or self-employed creative aged 18 or over
- A constituted creative, cultural or artistic organisation based in Scotland
- A collective or creative business delivering creative activity
Full details and how to apply can be found on the Creative Scotland Crowdmatch Funding page.